World Aids Day – December 1st 2012

This Saturday, December 1st, is World Aids Day. Its aim is to bring people together from around the world to fight stigma, increase awareness, improve education and raise funds for HIV/AIDS research and support. This year the theme for World Aids Day (WAD) is ‘Working together for an AIDS Free Generation’. This falls under the 2011-2015 wider theme of ‘Getting to zero’ which aims to reduce new infections, discrimination and AIDS related deaths and improve access to treatment. One of the goals is to reduce sexual transmission by half by 2015 – focusing on the overlapping groups of MSM (men who have sex with men), sex-workers and young people. The project also seeks to eliminate vertical (mother to child) transmission and transmission through drug use as well as removing punitive laws and practices related to HIV and AIDS. This might sound familiar, especially following the high profile support given to the ‘Getting to zero’ project by Hilary Clinton, but how about the facts below? How familiar are they?

Did you know?

WAD was started on 1st December 1988.

There is no official WAD ribbon manufacturer and many charities and other organisations make their own (You can get yours online here )

There is a lot happening in London as part of WAD. Below is a list of outreach events organised by GMI and it’s partners. Come along, support us and show your solidarity for this important cause!

The London Eye lit up for World Aids Day

GMI – We are going to be with 56 Dean Street clinic on the testing bus outside G-A-Y bar, Old Compton street, Soho. There is going to be free testing, confidential sexual health advice and information and we’re trying to break the world record for the most people tested in one day! For info see link.

Positive East

East End Weekender – 29th November – 1st DecemberFundraising night in east London’s hottest gay pubs and clubs across the World AIDS Day weekend. Dalton Superstore is confirmed and more venues are lining up to show their support by generously donating their door money to Positive East for one night during the World AIDS Day weekend.

Jump for World AIDS Day – all weekends of the yearPositive East are always looking for people to raise money to support people living with HIV by taking part in a free skydive. This World AIDS Day is no different. If you’re a daredevil who want to fly from 10,000ft and make a difference, then sign up for your very own free sky dive today!
Simply send your details to: skydive@positiveeast.org.uk and they will contact you about the arrangements.

Big Red Sale – 6th December – Positive East, Stepney Green.There will be a wonderful selection of books, CDs and DVDs, toys, and vintage clothing and gifts on sale. Whether you’re a bargain hunter, or a Christmas shopper, there’s bound to be something for you. Sale starts from 1pm until it’s all gone!

Pig’s Ear Beer Festival – 4th to 8th December – The Round Chapel, Hackney E5 OPUPositive East will be collecting all week long at Hackney’s favourite beer and cider festival, as part of the Campaign for Real Ale. Pop along and say hello to our collectors, and enjoy lovely tipple of your favourite ale while you’re at it.

Metro will be selling ribbons, distributing information about National Testing Week and letting you know more about all the services they offer.

Woolwich train station – 30th November: 11am-5pm

Come along to Metro’s red ribbon stall and support the cause by making a donation.

Greenwich station – 30th November: 7am-7pm

Metro will be at Greenwich station early to late handing out red ribbons and taking your generous donations.

Woolwich train station – 1st December 11am – 5pm

Come on over to Woolwich station to show your support and get your red ribbons.

Prince of Greenwich (8.15-10.30) and George and Dragon (10.45-1.15am) – Greenwich – 1st December

Metro will be selling red ribbons, giving information on Metro services and answering any sexual health questions you might have.

WLGMP – West London Gay Men’s Project

Together with our community partners, West London Gay Men’s Project is encouraging people to Act HIV Aware this World AIDS Day, providing information and support to tackle HIV stigma, dispel myths, prevent HIV transmission, promote HIV testing, and advocate support for people living with HIV.